LONDON—Impressive growth figures for the global manufacturing sector during June were released today. The overall Global Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index hit a four-month high.

NEW YORK—Forty-nine percent of business executives in Europe, North American and other mature markets report that economic conditions have improved in their countries, according to McKinsey & Co.’s latest global survey. That compares with 39 percent six months ago and 26 percent for executives in developing markets.

WASHINGTON—For the first time ever, global corporations invested more in emerging markets than the core economies of United States, Europe and Japan, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade & Development.

MEXICO CITY—In an aggressive bid to move beyond low-wage factory jobs and toward an entrepreneurial economy, Mexico is producing graduates in engineering and technology at rates that challenge its international rivals, including its No. 1 trade partner, the United States.